Blog :Musicians’ Real Lives
Musicians live in poverty in Shucun. They spend 100 or 200 Yuan (US$12 or 24) per month on renting a small room. Besides sleeping and eating, practicing musical instrument occupies most of their time. When the ChineseSpring Festival(the Chinese Lunar New Year) comes, in order to buy a ticket for going home, some musicians have to sell their clothes and musical instrument.
Because these musicians often do not have a lot of money, wearing long hair has become the cheapest and most unique way of expression. Eating is even simpler to them. While those with a better condition can eat instant noodles, most of them only have vegetable baozi (Chinese steamed buns that cost 5 jiao or 6-7 US cents each). According to them, spending 2 Yuan per week is not rare for them.
Generally, people in Shucun can be divided into two groups. One kind is called gan chang zu, who perform at bars several times a week. Another kind is those singers who intently create original music. Although they scorn the people who are busy singing at bars, their living conditions often are worse.
At present, there are at least 1,000 rock bands in Beijing, giving the capital city special scenery. However, because China does not have a foundation and tradition for rock music, people’s recognition and even acceptance of rock is still not high.
Although the Shucun musicians’ living standard is very low, they almost never consider doing something to improve it. Maybe this is worth admiring, even if difficult for one to accept.
